Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021): Volume 1, Issue 1 (2021)
Governing Water Security in the Horn of Africa: Institutional Frameworks and Conflict Prevention
Abstract
This article examines the institutional governance of water security in Tanzania, a critical state within the Horn of Africa’s geopolitically sensitive hydrology. Through a qualitative case study incorporating 27 key-informant interviews and documentary analysis, it investigates how domestic institutional frameworks shape conflict potential over transboundary and local water resources. The findings reveal a fragmented governance landscape, where overlapping mandates between ministries, basin water boards, and local authorities create coordination failures and contested entitlements. Crucially, the research identifies a persistent disconnect between formal statutory systems and informal customary management institutions, which fosters parallel systems of authority and exacerbates competition among users. The analysis demonstrates that this institutional polycentricity, embedded within a distinct political economy, transforms water scarcity from a managerial challenge into a catalyst for social tension. The study concludes that strengthening coherent, inclusive, and adaptive institutional architectures is essential for mitigating water-related conflicts, offering evidence-based insights for policymakers and regional bodies engaged in cooperative governance and conflict prevention.
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